How Much Is a 1998 Honda Prelude Worth?

Most 1998 Honda Preludes in the U.S. sell between $5,000 and $18,000 as of 2025, with clean, low-mile manual cars—especially the Type SH—often bringing $15,000 to $25,000 and exceptional, collector-grade examples reaching $30,000 to $40,000+. Rough or high-mileage cars typically range from $2,500 to $5,000. Values vary by trim, condition, mileage, originality, documentation, and region.

Market Snapshot (2025)

The fifth-generation Prelude (1997–2001) has transitioned from affordable sport coupe to emerging modern classic. The 1998 model—offered in Base and Type SH trims with the 200-hp H22A4—benefits from a strong enthusiast following, limited surviving supply, and rising interest in 1990s Japanese performance cars. Manual, unmodified, rust-free, and well-documented cars command noticeable premiums, while automatics and modified or rusty examples trade for less. Online auctions and enthusiast marketplaces have pulled top-tier cars higher in recent years, while driver-grade examples remain attainable.

What Drives Price

Several factors consistently influence what a 1998 Honda Prelude will bring on today’s market. The following list outlines the key drivers and why they matter to buyers and sellers.

• Trim and transmission: The Type SH (manual-only with ATTS) is more desirable than the Base trim, and manuals generally bring stronger money than automatics.
• Mileage and documentation: Lower mileage and complete maintenance records (timing belt/water pump, clutch, seals) add value; missing history subtracts.
• Originality: Stock or near-stock cars tend to outperform heavily modified examples, unless modifications are top-quality and reversible.
• Condition and rust: Rust-free bodies and clean interiors are prized; rust in rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and shock towers is common and devalues the car.
• Accident history: Clean Carfax/AutoCheck and original paint boost confidence; structural repairs or salvage titles cut prices significantly.
• Color and options: Desirable colors and factory options can nudge values upward, though impact is smaller than trim/condition.
• Market timing and location: Enthusiast auction exposure, West Coast rust-free supply, and seasonal demand can move prices by thousands.

Taken together, these factors explain why superficially similar cars can sell thousands apart; buyers will pay premiums for scarce, well-kept, and verifiably original examples.

Typical Price Ranges by Trim and Condition

The ranges below reflect observed U.S. market outcomes across classifieds and enthusiast auctions through 2025. Individual results will depend on the specifics noted above.

• Project/rough (any trim; running but needs work, cosmetic rust, or incomplete history): $2,500–$5,000
• Driver-grade, higher miles, automatic Base: $5,000–$9,000
• Clean driver, manual Base or average Type SH, documented maintenance: $9,000–$15,000
• Very clean, lower miles (<100k), manual Base or strong Type SH: $15,000–$25,000
• Collector-grade, stock or near-stock Type SH manual with low miles and full records: $25,000–$40,000+

Automatics generally trail comparable manuals by several thousand dollars, while tasteful, reversible upgrades may be value-neutral; extensive modifications or swaps typically narrow the buyer pool and reduce price.

Where to Check Real-Time Comparables

To anchor your valuation in current data, compare your car to recent sales and active listings across enthusiast and mainstream platforms.

• Enthusiast auctions: Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids—best for stock, manual, low-mile and Type SH cars.
• Classifieds: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Autotrader—broad view of driver-grade supply and regional pricing.
• Price guides: Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, NADA—use as baselines; they can understate enthusiast premiums.
• Insurance/collector guides: Hagerty Valuation Tools—helpful for top-condition benchmarks and trends.

Match comps by trim, transmission, mileage, condition, and documentation; small differences in these inputs can shift value considerably.

How to Value Your Specific Prelude

If you’re preparing to buy, sell, or insure a 1998 Prelude, following a structured approach will yield a realistic number and reduce surprises during negotiations.

1. Identify the exact spec: Base vs. Type SH; confirm manual or automatic (Type SH is manual-only).
2. Document condition: Obtain a pre-purchase inspection, paint-meter readings if possible, and a rust assessment (rear arches, rockers, shock towers).
3. Gather records: Look for timing belt/water pump service, clutch, seals, and regular fluid changes; compile receipts.
4. Pull history: Carfax/AutoCheck for accidents, mileage continuity, and title status.
5. Build a comp set: Collect 5–10 recent sales closely matching your car’s spec and condition; adjust for mileage and location.
6. Account for modifications: Add value only for high-quality, reversible upgrades; otherwise discount relative to stock comps.
7. Set a range: Price within a band (e.g., $12k–$14k) rather than a single figure to accommodate buyer and market variability.

This process mirrors how informed buyers and auction platforms evaluate cars and helps defend your ask or offer with evidence.

Notes on Modifications and Originality

Many Preludes have been modified over the years, which can influence resale. Generally, originality is safest for value retention, but quality builds still find buyers.

• Value-positive or neutral: Factory-spec suspension refresh, OEM wheels, period-correct stereos, reversible bolt-ons with original parts included.
• Value-negative (often): Engine swaps, turbo kits, cut springs, widebody kits, irreversible bodywork, or stripped interiors—unless executed to a high standard with documentation.
• Keep take-off parts: Including original components with the sale widens the buyer pool and can lift the final price.

If in doubt, price modified cars against similarly modified comps and expect a narrower audience and longer time to sell.

Regional and International Considerations

Location can swing values due to rust prevalence and buyer concentration. International markets follow similar patterns with local nuances.

• U.S. West/Southwest: Rust-free cars attract premiums and sell faster; competition among buyers is stronger.
• U.S. Northeast/Midwest: Rust and road salt history often depress prices; rust-free imports to these regions can still command premiums.
• Canada/UK/Japan: Currency, import rules, and RHD/LHD preferences affect pricing; check local comps rather than converting U.S. figures directly.

If cross-border shopping, factor in transport, inspections, compliance, and taxes; these costs can negate apparent bargains.

Bottom Line

A fair U.S. price for a 1998 Honda Prelude in 2025 ranges from about $5,000 to $18,000 for most examples, with standout Type SH manuals and low-mile, original cars reaching well into the $20,000s and beyond. Verify trim, condition, and records, then triangulate against recent comps on enthusiast auctions and classifieds to set a defensible number.

What is a 1998 Honda Prelude worth?

The value of a used 1998 Honda Prelude ranges from $1,147 to $4,383, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

Are 1998 Honda Preludes reliable?

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally considered a reliable car, especially with proper maintenance. Owners report high satisfaction with its reliability and overall quality. While it may have some minor issues like oil consumption or potential leaks from seals, these are often manageable with regular upkeep. 
Key points about the 1998 Honda Prelude’s reliability:

• High Owner Satisfaction: Owners on Kelley Blue Book and other sites consistently rate the 1998 Prelude highly for reliability, with many reporting few major issues over years of ownership. 
• Engine: The engine is known to be fairly robust, but it can consume oil, particularly at higher RPMs. This is often attributed to the FRM (Fiber Reinforced Metal) cylinder walls, which can allow a little oil past the rings. 
• Potential Issues:
  • Oil Consumption: As mentioned, oil consumption is a potential issue, especially with higher mileage or if the car is driven hard. 
  • Leaky Seals: Some owners report leaks from the front and rear main seals, as well as other minor leaks from the valve cover gasket. 
  • Transmission: While generally reliable, some owners have experienced transmission issues, including failure, but this may be specific to individual cars. 
• Maintenance: Like any older car, the 1998 Prelude requires regular maintenance to stay reliable. This includes keeping up with oil changes, checking fluids, and addressing any issues promptly. 
• Age and Condition: Given the car’s age, it’s crucial to assess the specific condition of any used 1998 Prelude you’re considering. Look for signs of good maintenance and address any potential issues like leaks or wear and tear. 
• VTEC System: The VTEC system itself is known to be reliable. 

In conclusion: The 1998 Honda Prelude is a reliable car, especially when properly maintained. While it may have some minor issues typical of older vehicles, these are often manageable with regular attention and care.

How much is a 1988 Honda Prelude worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,200 for a 1988 Honda Prelude Si in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1988 Honda Prelude Si? The highest selling price of a 1988 Honda Prelude Si at auction over the last three years was $26,250.

How much do Honda Preludes go for?

Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to start around $31,000 and go up to $38,000 depending on the trim and options.